Dispensing apparatus having fluid return stage



A J. WELLS 3,381,855

DISPENSING APPARATUS HAVING FLUID RETURN STAGE May 7, 1968 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 22, 1966 TO PUMP MOTORS TEST PROPORTIONING TONOZZLE --RETURN w a MW M S 1 Y w m mm m FROM PROPORTIONING VALVE guilgTO NOZZLE RETURN May 7, 1968 A. J- WELLS 3,381,855

DISPENSING APPARATUS HAVING FLUID RETURN STAGE Filed Dec. 22; 1966 2Sheets-Sheet 2 f'ra. 53g

' I58 M4 L-85- TO PUMP MOTORS L45 I I46 g "Z04 w #42 212 I 1'74 g g I801Z0 Q EQ ZW WE //8 LOW HIGH TEsT TEST PROPORTIONING vALvE I 170, RETURNVALVE T T TO NOZZLE l.\' VliV/OR.

ARTHUR J. WELLS ATTORNEYS Unite This invention relates to fluiddispensing apparatus and particularly concerns dispensing apparatus of ablending type used in gasoline service stations for simultaneouslydispensing two different grades of fuel in varying proportions.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an improvide fluiddispensing apparatus for essentially eliminating the well-known blenderror encountered at the start of a dispensing operation for a selectedblend of fuel which is different from the previously dispended blend soas to always deliver a desired mixture of two different fuels in aproper total quantity ratio as well as in a proper flow rate ratio.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved fluiddispensing apparatus of the above-described type which is readilyincorporated in both new and existing fluid dispensing systems forsignificantly minimizing blend error.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved fluiddispensing apparatus which is quick and easy to operate while yeteffecting increased accuracy and efficiency in a dispensing operation.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out more indetail hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction,combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the construction hereafter set forth and the scope of theapplication which will be indicated in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, partly broken away, showing an embodimentof a fluid dispensing apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic section view, partly broken away, showing valvearrangement of a type which may be employed in the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram, partly broken away, similar to FIG. 1 andshowing another embodiment of a fluid dispensing apparatus of theinvention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, a fluid dispensing apparatus isschematically illustrated in FIG. 1, conventional features of which arefully described in United States Patent 2,814,444 issued Nov. 26, 1957in the name of Bliss, United States Patent 3,087,651 issued Apr. 30,1963 in the named of Bliss et a1. and United States Patent 3,175,414issued Mar. 30, 1965 in the name of Wells, each of which patents isassigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Although not necessarily limited in use thereto, the apparatus of thisinvention is of notable utility in connection with the dispensing of twodifferent grades of gasoline in variable proportions from a commondischarge nozzle 10. For convenience, the different grades of gasolinewill be referred to as low test and high test, and it will be understoodthat separate storage tanks, not shown, are provided for both grades ofgasoline which are drawn through separate flow lines 12, 14 by pumps 16,18 respectively operated by motors 20, 22. A conventional dual typeproportioning valve 24 is preferably provided which upon being moved ina proper direction, diminishes flow in one of the lines 12, 14 andcorrespondingly in- States Patent creases that in the other line fordispensing a desired mixture of high and low test gasolines.

The setting of valve 24 is accomplished through an output shaft 26 of asubtracting differential 28 controlled by meters 30, 32 of aconventional volumetric type positioned in flow lines 12, 14 betweenpumps 16, 118 and the proportioning valve 24. Meters 30, 32 each have anoutput shaft 34, 36 rotatable in proportion to the flow rate of fluidpumped through lines 12, 14. The output of the two meter shafts 34, 36is combined by a summing differential 38 and transmitted by an outputshaft 40 thereof and a connecting shaft 42 to the subtractingdifferential 28 via a speed change mechanism 44 having an output shaft46 connected therebetween. Shaft 46 and meter output shaft 36 eachprovide an input to the subtracting differential 28 whereby its outputshaft 26 is used to set the proportioning valve 24.

The connecting line 47 denotes a shaft whereby the setting of a variator48, associated with a register 50 of a type particularly adapted for usein gasoline dispensing apparatus, is transmitted to the speed-changemechanism 44 so that both the variator 48 and the speed-change mechanism44 may be set simultaneously and in unison.

The variator 48 may be of the type disclosed in the referenced WellsPatent 3,175,414. As described in that patent, the output shaft 46 ofthe summing differential 38 is connected to the variator 48 which inturn effects a proper speed ratio between the drive to cost wheels 52and to quantity wheels 54 of the register upon setting the variator 48to a different price corresponding to a different grade, whereupon thespeed-change mechanism 44 is also set at the same time to adjust theproportioning valve 24 to provide the selected different grade,

The manner in which the wheels 52, 54 are driven to register the costand quantity of the fuel dispensed is fully described in the referencedBliss Patent 2,814,444 which patent also completely describes one mannerin which these number wheels may be reset to zero after the completionof one dispensing operation and before the start of the next dispensingoperation. It will be suflicient for a proper understanding of theinvention to state that number wheels 52, 54 are rotatably supported onaxially shiftable shafts 56, 58 extending across the register 58 betweenthe end of its frame 60. After a dispensing operation, shafts 56, 58 areaxially shifted to an inoperative resetting position for the purpose ofzeroizing the number wheels, and the wheel supporting shafts 56, 58 arethen returned to a registering position whereupon the register 58 isreconditioned for the next dispensing operation.

In the preferred embodiment, pumping of both high test and low test fuelis started when the operator removes the nozzle 10 from its storagereceptacle 64 thereby to close a pump motor switch 66 which is inelectrical connection with the motors 20, 22 of the pumps 16, 18. If theflow rates and thus the meter output shaft speeds are not exactly in theproper ratio for the selected blend, the output shaft 26 of thesubtracting differential 28 will rotate in a proper direction to causerepositioning of the proportioning valve 24 to provide the desired flowrate ratio.

Such adjustment of the proportioning valve 24 normally results in anerror in the total quantity ratio of the two fluids being dispensedthrough lines 12, 14 which oc curs at the beginning of a dispensingoperation during the time required to adjust the proportioning valve 24to the proper flow rate ratio of a newly selected blend.

In accordance with the present invention, the objectionable blend erroris essentially eliminated by the provision of a return line 68 and 70associated with each flow line 3 12 and 14, and a return valve 72 isdisposed in lines 12, 14 between the proportioning valve 24 and thenozzle 10.

More specifically, the return valve 72 is illustrated in FIG. 2 ascomprising a pair of valve members 74, 76 coupled together forsimultaneous movement by suitable linkage 78. Each valve member 74, 76is movable between a RETURN position shown in FIG. 2 wherein the flowlines 12, 14 are closed to the nozzle 10 while the return lines 68, 7are open to their respective flow lines, and ON position wherein thereturn lines 68, 70 are closed and each flow line 12, 14 is open to thenozzle. It is contemplated that valve members 74, 76 could also bemovable between three positions, i.e., a RETURN position and an ONposition as described above, and an additional OFF position wherein thereturn lines 68, 70, and the flow lines 12, 14 to the nozzle are eachclosed to the passage of fuel.

The connecting line 80 to the return valve 72 denotes actuating linkagewhereby its position is controlled, e.g., in response to axial movementof the number wheel supporting shaft 58 via a pivotable lever 82 securedto shaft 58 and to an attached connector 84 drivingly connected to thevalve control linkage 80.

Thus, at the end of a dispensing operation, a handle 85 may be turned byan operator into a vertical OFF position, e.g., causing the wheelsupporting shafts 56, 58 to be shifted into their resetting position asdescribed in the referenced Bliss patent 2,814,444, and such movement ofthe wheel supporting shafts 56, 58 causes the return valve 72 to bemoved into RETURN position (FIG. 2) to connect lines 12, 14 to theirrespective return lines 68, 70 thereby shutting off the flow of fuel tothe nozzle 10. The number wheels 52, 54 of the register may then bereset to zero by actuating a push button 86 as fully described in theabove-mentioned patent, to complete the resetting operation and therebyrecondition the register 50 for a registering operation. Upon replacingthe nozzle 10 in its storage receptacle 64, the pump motor switch 66will be opened to turn off the pumps 16, 18.

When the nozzle 10 is next removed from its storage receptacle 64, thepump motors 20, 22 will be energized, and the low test and high testfuels will be pumped through lines 12, 14 causing operation of themeters 30, 32. Since the return valve 72 is in its RETURN position, fuelwill be initially returned through each of the return lines 68, and theoperation of the meters 30, 32 will provide the driving force to effectany necessary adjustment of the proportioning valve 24 for a newlyselected blend while the flow lines 12, 14 remain closed to the nozzle10. The adjustment of the proportioning valve 24 requires only a moment,and the handle is then turned by an operator into a horizontal ONposition causing the wheel supporting shafts 56, 58 to be reshifted fromtheir resetting position into registering position. This return movementof the wheel supporting shafts 56, 58 causes the return valve 72 to bemoved into its ON position closing each return line 68, 70 and openinglines 12, 14 to the nozzle 10, thereby conditioning the apparatus tostart a dispensing operation such that fuel will be delivered in aproper total quantity ratio as well as in the proper flow rate ratio.

Connected to the register 50 is a presettable control mechanism 88 of aconventional type for automatically terminating the delivery of fuelwhen a preselected amount has been dispensed, as fully described in thereferenced Bliss et al. Patent 3,087,651. The presettable controlmechanism 88 is shown as being operatively connected such as at 90 tothe return valve 72 through the valve control linkage 80 to effectautomatic shut-off to the nozzle 10. A suitable operator 92 is providedbetween connectors 84 and 90 to the valve control linkage 80 whereby thedesired advantage of moving the return valve 72 into its RETURN positionmay be provided by the presettable control mechanism 88 withoutinterference with the operation of the valve control linkage 80 by meansof the wheel supporting shaft 58, when it is desired to dispense fuelwithout making use of the presettable control mechanism 88.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, the samenumerals preceded by the number 1 have been utilized to identify likeparts.

In general, the apparatus of FIG. 3 is similar to that of FIG. 1 and isparticularly suited to minimize blend error as well as to effectautomatic shut-off by the presettable control mechanism 188 when apreselected amount of fuel has been dispensed, as previously describedin connection with the first embodiment.

However, in this second embodiment, it will be noted that a selectivelyoperable drive arrangement, responsive to operation of the output shaftof the summing differential 138, is provided comprising a differential200 for alternately applying an input to the variator 148 and to theregister when the meters 130 and 132 are operated by the pumping of lowtest and high test fuel through lines 112 and 114.

The differential 200 is driven by the output shaft 140, and the outputof the differential 200 is transmitted to the variator 148 and to theregister 150 by drive shafts 202 and 204 respectively. A variator brake206 and a register brake 208 are shown connected to drive shafts 202 and204. The brakes 206, 208 are operatively connected to a common brakecontrol 210 of any suitable type for engaging one of the brakes 206, 208and simultaneously releasing the other whereby drive shafts 202 and 204of the differential 200 are alternately operable for effecting an inputto the variator 148 while the register brake 208 is engaged, e.g., andthen transmitting a drive motion to the register 150 while the variatorbrake 206 is engaged. As shown, the brake control 210 is operatedsimultaneously upon operation of the return valve control linkagethrough a suitable connection 212.

In operation, the handle is turned OFF by the operator at the end of adispensing operation, causing the wheel supporting shafts 156, 158 toshift into resetting position to condition the number wheels 152, 154 tobe zeroized, and the movement of wheel supporting shaft 158 operates thevalve control linkage 180 causing the return valve 172 to be moved intoRETURN position shutting off the delivery of fuel to the nozzle 110, andalso causing the brake control 210 to be actuated. (As described inconnection with the first embodiment, the presettable control mechanism188 may also be used at the end of a dispensing operation to actuate thevalve control linkage 180 and, in this case, the brake control 210.)Upon actuation of the brake control 210 with the return valve 172 in itsRETURN position, the variator brake 206 is set and the register brake208 is released whereupon the output of the meters 130, 132 due to thepassage of fuel through the closed loops 112, 168 and 114, 170, istransmitted to the differential 200 to effect zeroizing of the numberwheels 152, 154 through drive shaft 204 and to recondition the register150 for the next dispensing operation just before the nozzle 110 isreplaced in its storage receptacle 164 to open the pump motor switch166, turning off the pumps 116, 118.

If the next desired blend is different from that previously dispensed,the variator 148 is set and the nozzle 110 is removed from its storagereceptacle 164 to turn on the pumps 116, 118. With the return valve 172in its RETURN position, the proportioning valve 124 is zeroed in on theproper flow rate ratio as previously described to substantiallyeliminate blend error before any fuel is delivered to the nozzle 110.The handle 185 is then turned ON to shift the wheel supporting shafts156, 158 into the registering position whereby the valve control linkage180 is actuated to move the return valve 172 into its ON position,connecting flow lines 112, 114 to the nozzle 110 and to simultaneouslyoperate the brake control 21.0 thereby to engage the register brake 208and release the variator brake 206 for applying a driving force to thevariator 148 through the drive shaft 202. The apparatus is nowconditioned for the dispensing of fuel.

Subsequently, when the return valve 172 is moved into its RETURNposition by turning the handle 185 OFF, or alternatively by operation ofthe presettable control apparatus 188, lines 112 and 114 are closed tothe nozzle 110 and fuel is once again directed through the return lines168, 170 to automatically reset the register 150, for upon operation ofthe valve control linkage 180, the brake control 210 is simultaneouslyactuated to render the variator drive shaft 202 nonoperative and at thesame time operate the register drive shaft 204. When the nozzle 110 isreplaced in its storage receptacle 164, turning off the pump motors 120,122, the cycle is completed.

A dispensing apparatus of the above-described type is adapted to providefor automatic resetting of the register by virtue of the disclosed fuelreturn stage of the invention. Moreover, the subject invention is ofnotable utility in conjunction with a presettable control mechanism forautomatically terminating delivery when a preselected amount of fuel hasbeen dispensed, in addition to being particularly suited to minimizeblend error when incorporated in a system having separate flow lines forsimultaneously dispensing fluid in varying proportions.

As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, various modificationsand adaptations of the structure abovedescribed will become readilyapparent without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for dispensing preselected blends of two fluidshaving a separate flow line for each fluid and a common discharge nozzlein communication therewith, each flow line including a pump and a flowmeter downstream of the pump, and an adjustable proportioning valveoperated by the meters for controlling the delivery of each fluid to thenozzle in variable proportions in accordance with a predetermined flowrate ratio, the improvement comprising a fluid return stage incommunication with each flow line and having flow control means forclosing oil fluid to the nozzle and returning the same upstream of thepumps to permit adjustment of the proportioning valve efiecting saidpredetermined flow rate ratio before fluid is delivered to the nozzle ina dispensing operation.

2. The improvement as recited in claim 1 wherein said flow control meansincludes valve means in each flow line between the meters and thenozzle, and wherein said fluid return stage further includes a returnline connected to said valve means and to each flow line upstream of thepump.

3. The improvement as recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid return stagefurther includes a valve control operable for moving said valve meansbetween a first position closing each said return line and opening theflow lines to the nozzle, and a second position closing the flow linesto the nozzle and opening each said return line.

4. The improvement as recited in claim 2 wherein said valve means ispositioned downstream of the proportioning valve.

5. The improvement as recited in claim 2 wherein said valve meansincludes a return valve member in each flow line, each said return valvemember being coupled to the other for simultaneous movement in unisonbetween a first position closing each said return line and opening theflow lines to the nozzle, and a second position closing the flow linesto the nozzle and opening each said return line.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 further including a register having aresetting mechanism, the improvement further comprising a drivingconnection between the resetting mechanism and said valve control formoving said valve means into said first position and said secondposition respectively at the start and upon the completion of adispensing operation.

7. An apparatus for dispensing preselected blends of two fluidscomprising a separate flow line for each fluid and a common dischargenozzle in communication with each flow line, each flow line including apump, a flow meter and return valve means between the meter and" thenozzle, a separate return line associated with each flow line connectedto the return valve means and to its respective flow line upstream ofits pump, the return valve means being movable between a first positionclosing each return line and opening each flow line to the nozzle, and asecond position closing each flow line to the nozzle and opening eachreturn line, an adjustable proportioning valve for controlling thedispensing of fluid from each line in variable proportions in accordancewith a predetermined flow rate ratio, meter operated means connected tothe proportioning valve and movable in response to a variance betweenthe ratio of flow rates through the meters and said predetermined flowrate ratio for adjusting the proportioning valve, and control meansconnected to the return means for moving the same into said firstposition and said second position respectively at the start and upon thecompletion of a dispensing operation.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a frame having areceptacle for the nozzle and a pump motor switch operable forsimultaneously energizing each pump, the pump motor switch being closedand opened respectively upon removal of the nozzle from and itsreplacement in its receptacle whereby each fluid is initially pumpedthrough its return line before the start of a dispensing operation topermit prior adjustment of the proportioning valve for ensuring deliveryof a fluid blend in a proper total quantity ratio as well as in a properflow rate ratio.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,650,003 8/1953 Coleman 2223183,107,032; 10/1963 Rapisarda 2222r6 ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

HADD S. LANE, Assistant Examiner.

1. IN AN APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING PRESELECTED BLENDS OF TWO FLUIDSHAVING A SEPARATE FLOW LINE FOR EACH FLUID AND A COMMON DISCHARGE NOZZLEIN COMMUNICATION THEREWITH, EACH FLOW LINE INCLUDING A PUMP AND A FLOWMETER DOWNSTREAM OF THE PUMP, AND AN ADJUSTABLE PROPORTIONING VALVEOPERATED BY THE METERS FOR CONTROLLING THE DELIVERY OF EACH FLUID TO THENOZZLE IN VARIABLE PROPORTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH A PREDETERMINED FLOWRATE RATION, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING A FLUID RETURN STAGE INCOMMUNICATION WITH EACH FLOW LINE AND HAVING FLOW CONTROL MEANS FORCLOSING OFF FLUID TO THE NOZZLE AND RETURNING THE SAME UPSTREAM OF THEPUMPS TO PERMIT ADJUSTMENT OF THE PROPORTIONING VALVE EFFECTING SAIDPREDETERMINED FLOW RATE RATIO BEFORE FLUID IS DELIVERED TO THE NOZZLE INA DISPENSING OPERATION.